Hey fantastic teens! Today, let’s dive into a topic that resonates with many of us: dealing with rejection,
whether it’s a crush who doesn’t reciprocate your feelings or a college application that doesn’t go as planned.
Rejection is akin to an unexpected pop quiz, it catches you off guard but imparts valuable lessons. But fret not, because I’m here to share some strategies for handling those feelings of rejection with a touch of humor and a sprinkle of wisdom.
Crushes: Love, or Just a Crush?
Trust me, I’ve experienced rejection in relationships. It’s easy to internalize the situation, thinking it’s about your shortcomings like your jokes not being funny enough or your appearance are not Instagram worthy. However, I realized that crushes are akin to ice cream flavors, some prefer vanilla, and others opt for chocolate, and that’s perfectly fine. It’s about finding someone who values me for who I am.
College Applications: The Great Adventure
The excitement of selecting dream schools, crafting impeccable essays, and hoping for that acceptance letter can quickly turn into disappointment with a rejection letter. I learned to embrace the rejections like battle scars because each one taught me something new about self discovery, perseverance, and resilience.
Rejection is a universal phenomenon and everyone from Bill Gates to Oprah Winfrey have been through it and still go through it.
While reading about how to deal with rejection, I discovered this acronym SARAH – it stands for Shock, Anger, Rejection, Acceptance, and Hope. It helped me to understand my response to rejection. I learned that it’s ok to have an emotional response, just don’t get stuck in it. So, the first step is to recognize honestly where you are on the SARAH scale….what that means is to label your emotion and figure out if you are at the Shock stage or Anger or Hope.
Here are 2 additional tips that worked for me.
The Art of Bouncing Back (My Superpower): First, I allow myself to feel disappointed. I cry, scream into a pillow, eat a lot of sweet things, and watch movies because if I don’t do that, it might result in depression. I feel calm and as if a heavy weight has been lifted off my chest when I cry. But I need to get back into the game, how do I do that? I’m fortunate to have supportive family and friends who remind me of my value beyond college acceptance. Engaging in new hobbies or projects keeps my mind occupied. Remember, rejection doesn’t define you, it’s a detour toward an incredible future.
Embracing the Silver Linings: Surprisingly, rejection often brings hidden blessings. That crush who turned me down? It was a fortunate escape, as I deserve someone who values me. College rejections pushed me to explore new paths, uncovering passions I never knew I had. Life often guides us toward unforeseen adventures, with rejection acting as a catalyst for positive change.
So, embrace the positives, learn from setbacks, and continue forward with optimism and resilience.
Throughout this journey, I’ve learned that rejection isn’t a reflection of my worth. It’s merely a chapter in my narrative, adding depth, strength, and character. Whether it’s a crush, a college, or anything else, remember that rejection is just a segment of your remarkable story. Keep writing, dreaming, and above all, embracing your uniqueness. The best is yet to come. Keep shining brightly like the star you are!
Written By
Author : GenWE